Posted on 12/23/2024

11 Best Restaurants in Galveston on the Water

Dining on the waterfront in Galveston is a must while vacationing on the island. With the Gulf of Mexico to one side and the bay on the other, there are tons of options with stunning views of the waves rolling in, boats floating by, and the sunset painting the sky pink.

Whether you’re craving a fresh-caught  seafood dinner or frozen cocktails at a laid-back beach bar, the island has great options for an alfresco dining experience with a view. We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Galveston on the water, from seafood and steakhouses on a harbor to casual and family-friendly restaurants along the Seawall.

And the water views don’t have to end when the check comes — many of our Galveston vacation rentals have incredible views from breezy decks and patios. Order take out and enjoy delicious local fare from the privacy of your own beach house.

Now, let’s dive right into the best restaurants in Galveston that are on the water.

Best Restaurants: West End

1. Waterman's Restaurant

Photo Credit: George Kuchler

Located on West Bay, Waterman’s Restaurant offers stunning views of the water and boats coming and going. Outdoor dining on the large decks is the best way to soak in the  sunset views at dinner time, while the inside offers a modern lodge feel with a timbered ceiling and walls of windows.

The dinner menu is generous with the seafood, from calamari appetizers to blackened redfish platters and fried shrimp po-boy sandwiches served with gumbo.


2. West End Marina and Restaurants

Photo Credit: zoryanchik

  • 21706 Burnet Dr, Galveston, TX
  • westendmarina.com
  • $$
  • Seafood on a marina with patio seating

At the West End Marina and Restaurants, you can dine in an upstairs palapa or downstairs at the Sandbar’s outdoor seating. This casual eatery is just steps from boat slips on the water, so the views and vibes are perfect for island dining.

Seafood lovers can get their fill here, starting with appetizers like ceviche, smoked salmon dip, lobster bisque, and Cajun nachos topped with shrimp, chicken, and sausage. The main menu offers fried seafood platters, steaks, crab legs, and fish tacos.


3. Tipsy Turtle

Photo Credit: Xan

  • 11745 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX
  • $$
  • Casual eatery on the beach

Tipsy Turtle makes the perfect hangout if you’re looking for a casual beach bar on the West End. The bar is located right on the sand, serving up refreshing fruity drinks. Order casual bites like hamburgers and sandwiches for the perfect low-key island night out.


Best Restaurants: Seawall

4. Gaido's Seafood

Photo Credit: Warren Jennings

  • 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
  • gaidos.com
  • $$$
  • Historic and elegant seafood restaurant

A Galveston staple on  the Seawall, Gaido’s Seafood is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or experience a touch of elegance on your beach vacation. The restaurant opened in 1911, so it has a long legacy on the island and serves fresh seafood from the Gulf.

Make a reservation for  lunch or dinner to dine on starters like jumbo crab cakes or the Jazz Martini, a shrimp and crab cocktail. Seafood lovers can order the day's catch for a main and top it with an asiago cream sauce, lemon butter, or a savory hollandaise.


5. Nick's Kitchen and Beach Bar

Photo Credit: Alessio Orru

  • 3802 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
  • nicksgalveston.com
  • $$
  • Casual seafood joint with a pool bar

Neighboring Gaido’s on the Seawall, Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar is a more casual alternative with an attached pool bar and deck views overlooking the water.

Seafood rules the menu here, from starters like shrimp and crab-stuffed jalapenos to entrees like the mango-topped mahi-mahi and cornmeal-fried catfish. Save room for dessert, too. The crustless pecan pie is the chef’s special family recipe.


6. The Spot

Photo Credit:  Calvste

Located along Seawall Boulevard right across from the beach, The Spot is a collection of five venues in one building. Amongst the bars and eateries, you’ll find breezy decks and covered patios overlooking the Gulf Coast.

The weekday happy hours offer a refreshing escape from the sand, with fruity cocktails like passion fruit mojitos and frozen pina coladas flowing—wings, burgers, sandwiches, Tex-Mex, seafood platters, and salads round out the food menu.


7. Float Pool & Patio Bar

Photo Credit: SYED IBAD RM

  • 2828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
  • floatpoolbar.com
  • $
  • Festive pool bar with live music

You don’t have to leave the waterside to eat at Float; the bar has its own pool deck to enjoy while you sip Bahama mamas and margaritas. It’s just across from the sandy beachfront with a view of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier jutting out into the Gulf.

To go along with the fruity umbrella cocktails, order shrimp tacos, loaded nachos, or burrito bowls. Float also offers a build-your-own burger with toppings like grilled onions, pineapple, bacon, and avocado.


8. BLVD Seafood

Photo Credit: Joshua Resnick

  • 2804 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX
  • blvdseafood.com
  • $$
  • Modern seafood joint with Gulf views

One of the best seafood restaurants in Galveston, BLVD Seafood is just a quick stroll across Seawall Boulevard to the beach. The cafe's interior has a simple, islandy look, with large windows overlooking the waves.

BLVD Seafood’s lunch menu is simple but delicious, with salad, sandwiches, and fish platters. Dinner service offers specialties like blackberry pork chops, cedar plank salmon, and ginger-marinated octopus. A special  Sunday brunch includes crab cake waffles, blackened snapper, and grits.


9. Miller's Seawall Grill

Photo Credit: Food Fantasy

The bright yellow facade of Miller’s Seawall Grill is hard to miss as you cruise along the waterfront in Galveston. A big menu matches the big view with all-day breakfast specials, seafood combos, burgers, and chowders.

The plate lunch and dinner staples are popular here, where you can pick from entrees like pot roast, hamburger steak, fried shrimp, and grilled fish and pair with your choice of Southern-style sides.


Best Restaurants: Historic Downtown

10. Fisherman’s Wharf

Photo Credit: Ezume Images

Dinner comes with a harbor view at Fisherman’s Wharf as boats float by on the Galveston Channel. The history of this spot dates back to the 1940s when a shrimp and fish factory stood in the spot that later transformed into a simple shrimp po-boy eatery.

Today, the restaurant serves fresh seafood with a view of the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. Order local catches like Gulf red snapper or redfish for a true boat-to-plate experience. You can top it with jumbo lump crab in a lemon butter sauce or a Pontchartrain combo of crawfish tails, mushrooms, and onions sauteed in a white wine sauce.


11. Katie’s Seafood House

Photo Credit: Hans Geel

Katie’s Seafood House by Pier 20 is just steps from  The Strand in Historic Downtown Galveston, with fantastic Channel and Pelican Island views. For a breezy dinner, grab a seat on the waterfront deck.

The seafood menu here is extensive, but you can’t go wrong with a “Boat Load Platter” of fresh Texas Gulf shrimp, red snapper, or the catch of the day. You can flavor local catches with toppings like a spicy Creole blend or Caribbean jerk seasoning with mango salsa.


Stay Near the Best Waterfront Restaurants in Galveston

Galveston has some fantastic waterfront dining options. From casual beach bars to elegant seafood restaurants, the possibilities are as endless as the beautiful views.

Watching the waves doesn’t have to end when the plates are cleared; these Galveston vacation rentals offer breezy decks where you can catch rays during the day and watch the sun dip below the horizon in the evening.

Categories:   Bars & Restaurants , Galveston
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